Local leaders react to violent turned protest

Local leaders say last night's protest which escalated through the night was uncalled for and shouldn't happen.

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Local leaders say last night's protest which escalated through the night was uncalled for and shouldn't happen.

News 18's marvin bills has been there since the protest started at 8pm last night.

Marvin what are officials saying?

Good evening meredith and to you all at home.

I spoke with several local leaders today.

They say last night's actions were unwarranted following a protest that started off peaceful.

"i have absolutely no patience for people who are cowards, that choose to deliberately hurt people, to put fear into people's lives, that destroy property, take advantage of situations for their own personal gain.

To me i have no time for that."

West lafayette mayor john dennis says the violence and destruction that broke out sunday night at the tippecanoe county courthouse is unacceptable.

The protest was slated to start at 8 - but several different groups began marching an hour early.

Tippecanoe county commissioner tracy brown says local law enforcement was prepared for this outcome.

"i think the plan that was laid out by the law enforcement leaders fit the need for the event."

Brown says he has no idea why the courthouse was targeted - but it was uncalled for.

"what happened last night crossed the line and we want peace in community.

My hometown is a special, special place."

Local naacp president sadie harper scott says the people inflicting violence weren't there to protest.

"they were there to think more like, to agitate and get people worked up.

But that was not the moment for that."

She says it's unfortunate and sad that people came with a different message.

"you always find those who come without the same reason of the same intent that we have."

Lafayette mayor tony roswarski says violence doesn't convey the right message.

"you can't read people's minds but i think sometimes people just take advantage of a situation."

As news 18 previously reported, the local naacp is working with local law enforrcement to hold a town hall style meeting.

Once we have more information on the time and place - we'll let you know.

Live downtown lafayette, marvin bills news 18.

Lpd officers made several arrests at last night's protest.

Kyanne edwards, caleb